Survey says American cars more reliable
Staff -- Test & Measurement World, 4/1/2004
Consumer Reports' latest survey on automotive reliability has concluded that, for the first time in 25 years, American cars are more reliable than cars from European manufacturers. But the survey, based on responses from 675,000 CR subscribers, still gives the highest reliability ratings to Asian automakers.
The survey asked CR subscribers to report problems, such as engine or electrical troubles, that they have had with vehicles up to eight years old. In 2003, the average problem rate for European cars and trucks was 20 per 100 vehicles, while the rate for Ford, GM, and Chrysler vehicles was 18 per 100 vehicles. In the 2002 survey, US and European brands were tied at 21 problems per 100 vehicles.
American and European companies still have a long way to go, though, when compared with Asian companies. The problem rate for Japanese-made and Korean-made vehicles remained even with 2002 at only 12 problems per 100 vehicles. www.consumerreports.org.
